Viola “Pat” Schnell 1930-2013

April 9, 2013

RUTHVEN -- A Mass of Christian burial for Viola M. "Pat" Schnell was held Friday, April 5, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ruthven. The Rev. Clem Currans was the celebrant.

Interment was at Crown Hill Cemetery, Ruthven. The Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Ruthven was in charge of arrangements.

Viola Mary Schnell, daughter of John J. and Jessie G. (Boeckholt) Tobin, was born April 7, 1930 in Armstrong. She received her education in Bancroft. She became known to her family and friends as Pat.

Following high school, Pat was employed as a waitress in California, Minneapolis and Fort Dodge.

On Feb. 11, 1967 she was united in marriage to Paul N. Schnell at the Chapel in the Canyon in Canoga Park, CA. They returned to Clay County and farmed for several years before their retirement.

Pat was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ruthven. She was a dedicated member of the Ruthven American Legion Auxiliary, holding many offices throughout her membership. She was past President of the 8th District. Pat was also a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary in Estherville and the U.S.S. Boxer Veterans Association.

Pat passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg at the age of 82. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Dorothy Conlon and Mabel Smith; and three brothers, James, John and Roger Tobin.

She is survived by her husband, Paul of Ruthven; sisters, Kate Tobin of Rockford, IL and Priscilla (Dale) Zaugg of Emmetsburg; sisters-in-law, Shirley Lee of Ruthven, Linda Tobin of Grand Island, NE, and Ruth Tobin of Flower Mound, TX; several nieces and nephews.